MALDIVES ONLiNE: Mar 31, 2007

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Addu Atoll (local administrative name Seenu Atoll) is the southernmost atoll of the Republic of Maldives. Only six of the islands in the Atoll are inhabited and they are Meedhoo, Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Feydhoo, Gan, and Hulhudhoo with the total population just over 28,000.

The dialect of the Dhivehi language spoken in this atoll is very different from the rest of the country. Most of the employees who had experience working for westerners and who spoke good English had turned to the tourism industry for employment. As a result, there was an influx of Addu people to Malé seeking employment in the nearby resorts and also looking for education to their children

British naval base
The Royal Navy established a base ("Port T") - later RAF Gan from 1957 - on the island of Gan (pronounced “Yahn”) in 1941, during World War II. During the Cold War it was used as an outpost.

The original naval base was established as a fall-back for the British Eastern Fleet. Despite public pronouncements to the contrary, the official view was that the main base at Singapore would be untenable if the Japanese made serious headway in Malaya and Java - which, in the event, is what happened in 1942. The intention had been to operate from Trincomalee, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Upon inspection, however, the naval commander-in-chief, Admiral James Somerville found the port inadequate, vulnerable to a determined attack and open to spying. An isolated island base with a safe, deep anchorage in a suitably strategic position was required, and Addu met the requirements. Once available, its facilities were used extensively by the Fleet.

Royal Navy engineers landed in August 1941 from HMS Guardian to clear and construct airstrips on Gan for the Fleet Air Arm. In the interim, Catalina and Sunderland flying boats operated from jetties on the northern, sheltered side of Gan. Large oil tanks were built on Gan, and on Hitaddu Island on the western edge of the atoll; vital elements for a naval base. These were visible from a long distances at sea, but this was unavoidable, given the atoll's low profile.

Ship's supplies for the fleet were provided from a pair of Australian refrigerated ships, Changte and Taiping that included Attu in a number of bases that they serviced regularly. Three times these ships replenished forty or more ships of the Eastern Fleet. Several large Australian Imperial Force troop convoys also refueled at Addu on their way from Aden to Fremantle, Western Australia.

The six major islands were garrisoned by the 1st Royal Marine Coast Defence Regiment, manning shore batteries and anti-aircraft guns. To facilitate the defence, causeways were built connecting the western islands of Gan, Eyehook, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo and, much later in the war, they were linked by a light railway. Attu was an unpopular posting due to the hot, humid climate, lack of recreational facilities and lack of socialising with the local population.

The Japanese remained unaware of the base’s existence until their plans for expansion in south-east Asia had come to nothing, even during their carrier raids in the Indian Ocean in April 1942. Later in the war, submarine reconnaissance established the base’s existence. Despite openings into the lagoon being permanently closed by anti-submarine nets, the German U-boat U-183 torpedoed the tanker British Loyalty in March 1944 (she had been previously torpedoed and sunk at Diego Suarez); it was an impressive long-range shot from outside the atoll through a gap in the anti-torpedo nets. Although seriously damaged, the tanker did not sink. She was not fully repaired but kept as a Ministry of War Transport Oil Fuel Storage Vessel. There was significant oil pollution after this incident and British personnel were used to clean the lagoon.

On 5th January 1946, British Loyalty was scuttled southeast of Hithadhoo Island in the Addu Atoll lagoon. After some years of leaking oil, she has become a popular dive location.

In 1957, the naval base was transferred to the Royal Air Force. As RAF Gan, it remained in intermittent service until 1971, when British Forces withdrew.

Addu Kandu
This is the local name for the broad channel between Huvadu Atoll and Addu Atoll. The old French maps called it 'Courant d'Addoue' and it is known in the British Admiralty Charts as 'Equatorial Channel' for the Equator lies roughly in the middle of the Addu Kandu.

Atoll Summary
Administrative name Seenu Atoll
Atoll name Addu Atoll
Location 0° 36' S and 0° 44' S
Letter S
Abbreviation S (ސ)
Capital Hithadhoo
Population 28707
No. of Islands 23
Inhabited Islands 6
Atoll Chief Hussain Saeed [1]
Inhabited Islands
Feydhoo Hithadhoo Hulhudhoo Maradhoo Maradhoo-Feydhoo Meedhoo
Uninhabited Islands
Aboohéra Bodu Hajara Boduhéragandu Dhigihéra Fahikédéhérangada Gan Gaukendi Geskalhuhéra Hankedé Hankedé Hajara Heréthéré Hikihéra Kafathalhaa Héra Kandu Huraa Kédévaahéra Koahera Kuda Kandihéréganda Maahera Maamendhoo Madihéra Mulikédé Savaaheli Vashahéra Villingili

Labels: atoll, Atolls of the Maldives, maldiv, maldives, maldives island, Seenu Atoll

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Gnaviyani Atoll is one of the the administrative divisions of the Maldives. It corresponds to the island known as Fuvammulah in the local language and Fua Mulaku in the International Navigational Charts and by H.C.P. Bell, the first person who made serious reasearch on the Maldives.

NOTE: Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Noonu, Raa, Baa, etc. are code letters assigned to the present administrative divisions of the Maldives. They are not the proper names of these divisions or atolls. The order followed by the code letters is from North to South, beginning with the first letters of the Dhivehi alphabet. These code letters are not accurate from the geographical and cultural point of view. However, they have become popular among tourists and foreigners in the Maldives who find them easier to pronounce than the true atoll names in Dhivehi, (save a few exceptions, like Ari Atoll).

Surfacewise this is the smallest administrative unit in the Maldives, situated in the Equatorial Channel channel (Addu Kandu) between Huvadhu and Addu. Fua Mulaku is not a true (or natural) Atoll, for it consists of only one island, which is, however, one of the largest islands in the Maldives, with an area of about 7 km. sq. Fua Mulaku was traditionally divided into nine villages (clockwise from the Northern end): Dhadimago, Hōdhado, Mālegan, Dūndigan, Funādo, Miskimmago, Dhashokubai, Mādhado and Diguvāndo. Nowadays the number of villages has been reduced to eight, since the village of Dashokubai was merged with Miskimmago.

This island was depopulated and resettled twice in the last thousand years owing to lethal epidemics.

This island is known by geographers as Fua Mulaku. This name is more widely known. The origin of this name is in the ancient local poem 'Rashoveshi' where the name of the island in the first line is in the vocative: "Fua Mulaku nan ivē medu adi fen heu rashē..."

Atoll Summary
Administrative name Gnaviyani Atoll
Atoll name Fuvammulah
Location 0° 15' S and 0° 20' S
Letter R
Abbreviation Gn (ޏ)
Capital Fuvammulah
Population 10,270
No. of Islands 1
Inhabited Islands 1
Atoll Chief Ahmed Moosa [1]
Inhabited Islands
Fuvammulah
Labels: atoll, Atolls of the Maldives, Gnaviyani Atoll, maldiv, maldives, maldives island

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Atoll Summary
Administrative name Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
Atoll name Huvadhu Atoll
Location 0° 28' N and 0° 10' N
Letter Q
Abbreviation GDh (ގދ)
Capital Thinadhoo
Population 18485
No. of Islands 153
Inhabited Islands 10
Atoll Chief Ali Shareef [1]
Inhabited Islands
Fares Fiyoaree Gaddhoo Hoandeddhoo Maathodaa Madaveli Nadellaa Rathafandhoo Thinadhoo Vaadhoo
Uninhabited Islands
Aakiraahuttaa, Athihuttaa, Badéfodiyaa, Barahuttaa, Baulhagallaa, Bodehuttaa, Bodérehaa, Bolimathaidhoo, Dhékanbaa, Dhérékudhéhaa, Dhigérehaa, Dhigulaabadhoo, Dhinmanaa, Dhiyanigilllaa, Dhonigallaa, Dhoonirehaa, Ehéhuttaa, Ekélondaa, Faahuttaa, Faanahuttaa, Faathiyéhuttaa, Faréhulhudhoo, Farukoduhuttaa, Fatéfandhoo, Femunaidhoo, Fenevenehuttaa, Féreythavilingillaa, Fonahigillaa, Gaazeeraa, Gan, Gehémaagalaa, Gehévalégalaa, Golhaallaa, Haadhoo, Hadahaahuttaa, Hakandhoo, Handaidhoo, Havoddaa, Havodigalaa, Hevaahulhudhoo, Hiyanigilihuttaa, Hoothodéyaa, Hulheddhoo, Hunigondiréhaa, Isdhoo, Kaadeddhoo Island, Kaafaraataa, Kaafénaa, Kaalhéhutta, Kaalhéhuttaa, Kaashidhoo, Kadahalagalaa, Kadévaaréhaa, Kalhaidhoo, Kalhéfalaa, Kalhehigillaa, Kalhéhuttaa, Kalhéréhaa, Kanandhoo, Kandeddhoo, Kannigilla, Kautihulhudhoo, Kélaihuttaa, Keraminthaa, Kereddhoo, Kéyhuvadhoo, Kodaanahuttaa, Kodédhoo, Kodégalaa, Koduhutigallaa, Kodurataa, Konontaa, Kudhé-ehivakaa, Kudhéhulheddhoo, Kudhélifadhoo, Kudhérataa, Kudhukélaihuttaa, Kurikeymaahuttaa, Laihaa, Lifadhoo, Lonudhoo, Lonudhoohuttaa, Maadhoo, Maaéhivakaa, Maagodiréhaa, Maahéraa, Maahutigallaa, Maarehaa, Maavaarulaa, Maaveddhoo, Maguddhoo, Mainaadhoo, Mallaaréhaa, Mariyankoyya Rataa, Mathaidhoo, Mathihuttaa, Mathikera-nanahuththaa, Meehunthibenehuttaa, Menthandhoo, Meragihuttaa, Meyragilla, Mudhimaahuttaa, Odavarréhaa, Oinigillaa, Olhimuntaa, Olhurataa, Raabadaaféhéreehataa, Rahadhoo, Ralhéodagallaa, Reddhahuttaa, Rodhevarrehaa, Thelehuttaa, Thinéhuttaa, Ukurihuttaa, Ulégalaa, Vairéyaadhoo, Vatavarréhaa, Véraavillingillaa, Villigalaa

Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll (Gaaf Dhaal, South Huvadhoo) is an administrative district of the Republic of Maldives, its capital is Thinadhoo . Gaafu Dhaalu is a grouping of 153 islands, 10 of which are inhabited. Located 340 kilometres south of the capital of Malé. Geographically it comprises the south-western part of Huvadhu Atoll.

Independent travellers to Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll require special permission to leave the tourist zone and visit inhabited islands.

Labels: atoll, Atolls of the Maldives, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, maldiv, maldives, maldives island

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Atoll Summary
Administrative name Gaafu Alifu Atoll
Atoll name Huvadhu Atoll
Location 0° 55' N and 0° 28' N
Letter P
Abbreviation GA (ގއ)
Capital Vilingili
Population 12116
No. of Islands 82
Inhabited Islands 10
Atoll Chief Abulla Saeed [1]
Inhabited Islands
Dhaandhoo Dhevvadhoo Dhiyadhoo Gemanafushi Kanduhulhudhoo Kolamaafushi Kondey Maamendhoo Nilandhoo Vilingili
Uninhabited Islands
Araigaiththaa Baavandhoo Baberaahuttaa Bakeiththaa Beyruhuttaa Beyrumaddoo Bihuréhaa Boaddoo Bodéhuttaa Budhiyahuttaa Dhevvalaabadhoo Dhevvamaagalaa Dhigémaahuttaa Dhigudhoo Dhigurah Dhonhuseenahuttaa Falhumaafushi Falhuverrehaa Farudhulhudhoo Fénéhuttaa Fenrahaa Fenrahaahuttaa Funadhoovillingili Funamaddoo Galamadhoo Haagevillaa Hadahaa Hagedhoo Heenamaagalaa Hirihuttaa Hithaadhoo Hithaadhoogalaa Hulhimendhoo Hunadhoo Hurendhoo Idimaa Innaréhaa Kalhehuttaa Kalhudhiréhaa Kanduvillingili Keesseyréhaa Kendheraa Koduhuttaa Kondeymatheelaabadhoo Kondeyvillingili Kudalafari Kuddoo Kudhébondeyyo Kudhéfehélaa Kudhéhuttaa Kureddhoo Lhossaa Maadhiguvaru Maaféhélaa Maagehuttaa Maakanaarataa Maamutaa Maarandhoo Maaréhaa Mahaddhoo Maththidhoo Maththuréhaa Médhuburiyaa Médhuhuttaa Medhuréhaa Melaimu Meradhoo Minimensaa Munaagala Munandhoo Odagallaa Raaverrehaa Rinbidhoo Thinrukéréhaa Uhéréhaa Viligillaa Vodamulaa
Labels: atoll, Atolls of the Maldives, Gaafu Alif Atoll, maldiv, maldives, maldives island, male

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Atoll Summary
Administrative name Laamu Atoll
Atoll name Haddhunmathi
Location 2° 08' N and 1° 47' N
Letter O
Abbreviation L (ލ)
Capital Fonadhoo
Population 14313
No. of Islands 82
Inhabited Islands 12
Atoll Chief Mohamed Naeem [1]
Inhabited Islands
Dhanbidhoo Fonadhoo Gaadhoo Gan Hithadhoo Isdhoo Kalaidhoo Kunahandhoo Maabaidhoo Maamendhoo Maavah Mundoo
Uninhabited Islands
Athahédha, Berasdhoo, Bileitheyrahaa, Bodufenrahaa, Bodufinolhu, Boduhuraa, Bodumaabulhali, Bokaiffushi, Dhekunu Vinagandu, Faés, Fonagaadhoo, Fushi, Gasfinolhu, Guraidhoo, Hanhushi, Hedha, Holhurahaa, Hulhimendhoo, Hulhisdhoo, Hulhiyandhoo, Kaddhoo, Kalhuhuraa, Kandaru, Kudafares, Kudafushi, Kudahuraa, Kudakalhaidhoo, Kukurahaa, Maakaulhuveli, Maandhoo, Maaveshi, Mahakanfushi, Medhafushi, Medhoo, Medhufinolhu, Medhuvinagandu, Munyafushi, Olhutholhu, Olhuveli, Thunburi, Thundudhoshufushi Nolhoo, Uthuruvinagandu, Uvadhevifushi, Vadinolhu, Veligandufinolhu, Ziyaaraiffushi

Haddhunmathi Atoll or Laamu is an administrative division of the Maldives. It corresponds to the natural atoll of the same name.

NOTE: Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Noonu, Raa, Baa, etc. (including 'Laamu' as well) are code letters assigned to the present administrative divisions of the Maldives. They are not the proper names of these divisions or atolls. The order followed by the code letters is from North to South, beginning with the first letters of the Dhivehi alphabet. These code letters are not accurate from the geographical and cultural point of view. However, they have become popular among tourists and foreigners in the Maldives who find them easier to pronounce than the true atoll names in Dhivehi, (save a few exceptions, like Ari Atoll).
Labels: atoll, Atolls of the Maldives, Laamu Atoll, maldiv, maldives, maldives island

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LOCATION

The Resort is a 25-minute speedboat ride from the Malé International Airport on the island of Huhule. Huhule is approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Kuda Huraa.

Malé International Airport is served by a number of international and charter airlines, including Aeroflot, Air Europe, Air Holland, Air Madeira, Sri Lankan Airlines, Airtours International, Air 2000, Austrian Airlines, Balair, Balkan Airlines, Britannia, Cathay Pacific, Condor, Cross Air, Emirates, Eurofly, Indian Airlines, Monarch Airways, Pakistan International Airlines, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.

Visitors must possess a passport valid through their stay on the island. Most visitors are given a 30-day visitor's permit on arrival. Citizens of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh or Nepal receive a 90-day permit. Visitors should consult their local consulate for visa requirements.

ACCOMMODATION
Bungalows
Cosy, comfortably appointed Beach Bungalows feature a private deck with views of the surrounding vegetation, and offer one king bed or two single beds. Beach Bungalows with Pool offer more expansive outdoor living spaces, with the luxury of a private plunge pool and an outdoor shower. Water Bungalows include a spacious bedroom and sitting area, a secluded verandah for sunbathing and steps down to the clear water of the lagoon.
Villas
Navaranna Water Villas offer a separate living room, bedroom and two full bathrooms. These villas feature a furnished verandah with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, steps down into the water and a private outdoor shower. The exceptionally large Kuda Huraa Beach Villa includes a luxuriously appointed living room, two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and dressing area, and a spacious wooden deck with a private plunge pool.

Four Seasons Explorer Cabins
Cabins on the Four Seasons Explorer catamaran are bright and airy. All cabins are air-conditioned and include a full ensuite bathroom. State Rooms feature twin beds which can be converted into a king bed, while the elegant Explorer Suite offers a king bed, a living area with day bed and couch and an indoor dining area.

Families and Special Needs
Families can be accommodated in a two-bedroom villa or in adjoining bungalows with a common deck. Rollaway beds and cribs are available in some accommodations upon request. We recommend contacting the Resort directly to make the best arrangements. Accommodations for non-smokers are available on request, as are wheelchair-accessible accommodations.

Services and Amenities in your Room
» 100% cotton oversized bath towels
» CD/VCD player available
» Down pillows
» Hair dryer
» In-room safe
» Non-allergenic pillows available
» Refrigerated private bar
» Satellite TV
» Tea/coffee maker
» Twice-daily housekeeping service

DINING
BARAABARU
An elegant dinner at Baraabaru is a memorable affair. Guests may choose to dine in the warmly lit main pavilion or at the lagoon's edge on the deck, under the shimmering stars. The open kitchen features a tandoori oven, where guests can watch as the chefs prepare exotic regional cuisine. The food is complemented by a wine list chosen to suit the tropics, with an emphasis on good light wines and champagne. Service is by dedicated staff who care about making every nuance of the evening just right. Baraabaru seats 78.
Specialties
The menu, which changes frequently, delivers a diverse selection of fresh, locally-caught fish, rice biriyanis (a flavourful Indian specialty: an infusion served in a clay pot) and vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties prepared by traditional methods.

A children's menu is available throughout the Resort, and our chefs are delighted to prepare children's portions of any dish requested.

REEF CLUB
The Reef Club is the perfect spot to savour a relaxed meal, featuring delicious Italian cuisine. Guests can enjoy a selection of fresh seafood, piping-hot Italian pizzas and grilled meats. The restaurant features a free-standing bar, ideal for a sunset toast, and dining areas outside on the wooden deck beside the ocean or inside under the thatched roof pavilion. Water bungalow guests are welcome to enjoy a breakfast of fresh tropical fruits, juices, cooked-to-order eggs and other specialties of the Reef Club. The Reef Club seats 60.

Specialties
Features antipasti buffet daily. A children's menu is available throughout the Resort.

CAFE HURAA
Café Huraa is the Resort's main restaurant, an open-sided thatched roof pavilion facing the free-form swimming pool and lagoon.

Breakfast has something for everyone. Café Huraa's sumptuous breakfast buffet includes fresh tropical fruits and juices, cereals, homemade breads, grilled meats and vegetables and a made-to-order omelette station.

The lunch menu offers a generous mix of popular dishes from East and West, featuring crisp salads, tasty sandwiches and a variety of innovative and creative meat and seafood choices.

Dinner at Café Huraa is a fun experience. Every evening, guests can enjoy family-style Asian fare featuring a taste of traditional curries, wok-prepared noodles and fresh vegetables, as well as a selection of mouth-watering seafood.

Specialties
Adjacent to the restaurant is the Barbecue Hut. This courtyard setting is the ideal location to savor grilled seafood and succulent meat. Sit outdoors under the shadow of tall hurandi trees and choose a freshly caught fish or lobster from the island dhoni, then watch Four Seasons chefs grill it to perfection. All dinners are accompanied by an extensive selection of homemade sauces and tasty side dishes.

Theme dinner celebrations are presented three nights a week. Indulge in Fisherman's Catch, lobster and crab, or experience steamboat, family-style Chinese table-top cooking.

NAUTILUS LOUNGE
The evening begins here for many guests, with a glorious sunset and cocktails in the Nautilus Lounge. This open-sided pavilion adjoins the reception area and overlooks the jetty and Spa Island. Music complements the relaxed mood, while a tantalising selection of Maldivian cocktails is available into the wee hours.

Afternoon tea is also served in the lounge. Choose from a traditional afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, pastries, scones and Devonshire cream, or a Maldivian afternoon tea with tuna chapatis, coconut scones, and foli and bokiba pastries.

POOLSIDE BAR
The Poolside Bar, built into the main swimming pool, is a popular place to celebrate an invigorating dive or simply relax in the warmth of the midday sun. Tropical drinks and a light snack menu are available throughout the day.

SPA SERVICES
Set in thatched spa pavilions, open to the ocean breezes, tropical gardens and vistas of endless blue sky and sea, The Spa reflects the rejuvenating spa traditions of the East and exotic native rituals from India, Thailand and Indonesia. It includes couples' treatment rooms, steam showers, outdoor garden showers and large soaking tubs.

Most island resorts have their own spa. Our resort's spa has its own island. Sail by the wooden dhoni (a local Maldivian boat) across the lagoon to The Island Spa. Warm tropical breezes gently flow through the open-air facility featuring a reception area, retail space, beauty salon and spacious spa pavilions. Design influences from India and Morocco prevail adding an authentic Arabic flavour. Five (5) thatched-roof treatment pavilions were designed with couples in mind. Each private treatment pavilion has a rectangular viewing port built into the floor decking so you can gaze into the crystal ocean through the face cradle of the massage bed. The Island Spa features innovative ayurvedic, Thai, Indonesian and Maldivian treatments.

POOL
Surrounded by a large sunning deck and with an infinity-edge overlooking the blue horizon, our freshwater swimming pool is one of the largest in the Maldives. A swim-up bar provides refreshments.

HEALTH AND FITNESS
Club Kuda Huraa is a state-of-the-art fitness facility featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, full-length mirrors, surround-sound music system, fitness equipment and the latest cardiovascular machines with individual flatscreen televisions.

RECREATION
DIVING
Open Water Course
We offer PADI courses in Japanese, German, Russian, French and English. The Open Water Certification course consists of four days of training in both theory and practical sessions. Upon successful completion, the certification is recognised worldwide and will open the door to endless adventures in diving.

Advanced Course
For those interested in expanding their dive horizons, sign-up for the Advanced Course; more time is spent on dives and less time in the classroom. A two-day course with five dives.

Bubblemaker Experience
Join us at the swimming pool as our team of experienced instructors guide you through the steps to exploring the underwater world. It is a pre-requisite that all participants are physically fit and able to swim. For children between 8 to 12 years of age.

Specialty Courses
Enhance your diving skills and knowledge with our Specialty Courses offered: Boat Diver, Underwater Naturalist, Multi-level Diver, Drift Diver, Night Diver, Deep Diver, Search & Recovery and many others.

PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course (2 hours)
Everyone can learn how to dive! Experience the thrill of diving under the close supervision of our PADI instructor. Your course consists of a theory briefing and one controlled ocean dive up to 12 metres. Participants of the Discover Scuba Diving Course must be over 10 years old.

Morning Dives (2-Tank Dives)
Every morning at 8:30 am our dive boats explore two sites. Refreshment of fruits and water is served during surface intervals. Our dive boats will be back at Kuda Huraa at approximately 12:45 pm.

Afternoon Dive (2-Tank Dives)
Every afternoon at 2:30 pm our dive boats explore two sites and will be back at approximately 6:00 pm.

Night Dive
For Advanced Diver, Night Specialty Diver or proofs of previous night dive experience. On request only.

Orientation Dive
If you have not been diving within the last three months and/or have less than 30 logged dives, or have recently completed an Openwater Course from another resort, and/or have less than 30 logged dives from another resort, you are required to do a check-out dive before engaging in boat diving activities. Check-out dives are conducted daily at 3:00 pm in the lagoon. Please present your certification card and log book (if any) when you register for diving.

All divers are advised to refrain from diving 12 hours after flying or 24 hours before flying. A medical clearance must be completed prior to your first dive at Kuda Huraa. Depending on your responses to a questionnaire, you may be required to pass a complimentary medical examination with our doctor.Housereef Dive

Our housereef is located approximately 500 metres from our dive centre. This dive is on request only and unlike the other dives, this dive will not be guided and requires a buddy system. A smaller, outboard engine boat will be used for this dive.

Full Day Safari
This full day excursion gives you the chance to see some of our distant dive sites in the South Malé Atoll. A choice of a 3-tank dive and also a picnic lunch onboard with either dhoni or speed boat. This is a private excursion and available upon request only.

Enriched Air Diver (EANx) Course
Don’t miss this opportunity to get a Nitrox certification in only two days. To enrol, you will have to be at least 15 years of age with an Advanced Diver certification or an Openwater Diver with at least 10 logged dives beyond Openwater training dives.

SURFING
Surfing Excursions
From April to October, the Maldives is blessed with some of the best surfing conditions on earth. Four Seasons Resort Maldives is located only a few minutes' boat ride from some of the best surf breaks to be found.

Our top surf sites are:
Sultans (Thamburudhoo Right), located on an uninhabited island on the eastern reef of North Malé Atoll. This is one of the most consistent waves of Malé Atoll, which never closes out, even on the biggest swells. The takeoff is a steep outside peak called "Phantoms," which slingshots into a very long, walled, super-fast section called the "Pinnacles," over 1 metre (4 feet) high. All three sections can be thrilling, almost insane tubes. Rides are 91–137 metres (100–150 yards).

Honky’s (Thamburudhoo Left), adjacent to "Sultans" on the eastern reef of the North Malé Atoll. Starts small and increases in size and intensity as it wraps 90 degrees around the island. A 1.8-metre (6-foot) wave on the takeoff ends up at least 2.4 metres (8 feet) on the end section, called "Fred’s Ledge." There are long rides and tubes through all sections, best on low tides unless the swell is huge. Best months for this wave are February, March and April – affected by strong currents in the southwest monsoon from May to October.

Named after of a poultry farm on the island, Chickens is located at Villingilimathi Huraa (Kuda Villingili), another uninhabited island on the eastern reef of North Malé Atoll. A pleasant thin, peeling, racing lip, when conditions are perfect.

Daily boat rides to surf breaks are available for the competent surfer. Your experience can also be recorded on video for posterity.

Surfing Instruction
An accredited Tropicsurf instructor is available to assist with all your surfing needs.

Surfing for Beginners
Learn how to surf in informative and fun introductory lagoon sessions, or take a level 1-certificate course that enables you to get out amongst the breaks and ride your first wave.

Surfer Improvement Clinic
Whether you're a beginner or a professional, we have a progressive certificate and instructional programme to help you attain your surfing goals. The combination of near-perfect waves with video analysis will assist you with anything from your "jump-up" to your tube-riding skills.

Water Sports Centre
Complimentary snorkels, masks, fins and non-motorized water sports such as sailboats, catamarans and state-of-the-art windsurfing equipment are available at the water sports centre daily. Motorized water sports equipment is available for a rental charge.

FOUR SEASON EXPLORER
A unique way to experience the Maldives while the Resort prepares for reopening, Four Seasons Explorer allows avid divers, water enthusiasts, nature lovers and 21st-century explorers to discover remote shores and rarely visited dive/snorkelling sites among the untouched reaches of the exotic atolls.
Also a wonderful complement to Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, this 11-cabin, three-deck catamaran takes you island-hopping in inimitable Four Seasons style. Limited to 22 passengers, this private cruise experience goes far beyond the normal beach escape. With ample on-board activities and a choice of three-, four- or seven-night cruises, Four Seasons Explorer offers an unforgettable vacation for divers and non-divers alike. Children over the age of 10 years are welcome.
Labels: atoll, booking, Four Season Resort, holiday, honeymoon, Hulhule Island Hotel, maldiv, maldives

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LOCATION
Hulhule Island Hotel is located on the airport island of Hulhule in the beautiful Maldives. Nestled in tropical landscape, with the sea right at your doorstep. Male, the capital of Maldives is just a 10-minute boat ride from the Hulhule Island Hotel.

ACCOMMODATION

88 luxurious rooms and suites set in exotic tropical décor, with an undisturbed view of the Indian Ocean.

Inside every room you will find everything you need for a perfect stay:

Satellite Television
In-room Safe
International Direct Dialing
Mini Bar
Coffee / Tea making facilities
24-hours Room Service

DINING

Faru Coffee House : Serving European, Japanese, International and local cuisine. Seats 140 people. Open 24 hours. Located at the first level.

Gadhoo Seafood & Grill Restaurant : Perfect Steaks and exciting seafood, complete with a dash of fusion - a perfect combination of Eastern and Western cuisine. Topped with a very respectable wine selection. All set in rustic wood and brick. Seats 40 people. Open for lunch from ll:30 AM - 02:30 PM and for dinner from 06:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Located at the first level.

Captain's Fun Pub: Unwind, relax & dance. The choice is yours with a fine selection of international beers and amazing cocktails in this delightful pub. Seats 80 people. Open from 11:00 AM - 01:00 AM. Located at the first level.

Poolside Bar: Open from 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

HOTEL FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Hotel Services
Concierge
Currency exchange
Facilitis for the physically challenged
Laundry
Luggage storage
Medical facilities
Parking
Safety deposit box
Business Facilities
Ballroom
Business centre
Conference room(s)
Mail/ courier service
Meeting facilities
Secretarial services
Recreational Facilities
Beach activities
Beauty salon
Canoeing
Diving
Fishing
Jacuzzi
Safari
Sailing
Sauna
Snorkelling
Swimming pool
Wading pool
Labels: acomadation, atoll, booking, hotel, Hulhule Island Hotel, maldiv, maldives, maldives hotel, maldives island, male

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LOCATION
The resort's name 'Kurumba' is derived from the coconut trees that grow here in glorious abundance. A house reef teeming with exotic marine life makes Kurumba a snorkelling dreamworld . Its turquoise lagoon is perfect to laze in. Or there is a wide range of watersports to exhilarate. A PADI certified dive centre supports serious divers as well as beginners.

The extensive Kurumba spa merges east with west using the life-giving properties of sea plants and minerals as well as indigenous herbs and flowers bringing about lasting rejuvenation.

The resort 's lovingly nurtured tropical gardens include an orchid nursery . Shaded paths lead from one side of this 30-acre circular island to the other. Intimate white beaches are protected by eco-breakwaters of weathered coral.

Seven restaurants including an oceanside bar and a grill serve French , Italian , Japanese , Indian ,Lebanese and Chinese cusines. Live entertainment and a sing along lounge stimulate the evenings.

Kurumba Maldives, pioneered tourism in the Maldives in 1972 . Following complete reconstruction in 2003 it has emerged as a grand resort of distinctive style and panache . Kurumba is a mere 15 minutes by speedboat from touchdown .

ACCOMMODATION
With 180 bungalows and villas dotted throughout the island within verdant foliage only a pace or two from the beach, Kurumba Maldives offers a wide range of luxurious accommodation. The villas and rooms have wooden floors and are elegantly furnished with solid timbre furniture.

ROYAL KURUMBA RESIDENCE- 768 sq. metres
Luxurious two bedroom suite with two swimming pools and a spacious sundeck over the beach ideal for an intimate reception. Entrance is through a courtyard with steps over an ornamental pool with a thatched pavilion and daybeds on either side. A patio gives access to a foyer and drawing room, complete with butler’s pantry and guest washroom.

Doors on either side of the foyer open into the two wings of the Royal Residence; each wing has a walk-in dressing room, opulent bedroom with king-size four-poster bed, veranda onto the beach, and a large, luxurious bathroom leading to a private courtyard with swimming pool and a Jacuzzi, outside shower, and shaded king-size daybed.

4 PRESIDENTIAL VILLAS– from 255 sq metres
The ground floor of each Presidential Villa has a large drawing room off the beachfront veranda and a private swimming pool in a interior courtyard. The large bedroom with king-size four-poster bed offers complete privacy. A balcony overlooks the beach and ocean. a walk-in dressing room and a bathroom with separate glass-walled shower and central marble-sided bathtub, plus an outside patio with Jacuzzi.

8 POOL VILLAS– from 200 sq metres
Each Pool Villa has the luxury of a private swimming pool and a jacuzzi in a garden of flowers and therapeutic stones. There is a graceful waterfall, a lush open-air shower and a daybed for two shaded by a thatched roof pavilion. The private courtyard has an exclusive entrance from the beach or through the villa's enormous bathroom.

16 PRIVATE VILLAS– From 103 Sq metres
The private villa features a separate sitting area with television and adjoining the bedroom with king-size four-poster bed . Large open air bathroom with outdoor shower jacuzzi.

74 DELUXE BUNGALOWS– 74 Sq metres.
A dedicated entrance lobby leads to a teak floor bedroom furnished with a king-size four-poster bed, a day bed, and a window wall opening onto the veranda and beach. There is a dressing room with access to a spacious bathroom complete with two washbasins, a glass-walled shower, a free-standing bathtub, and an open-air sand and stone floored shower garden.

39 DELUXE ROOMS- 50 sq. metres
Cosy, intimate rooms situated on the edge of the sea.

38 SUPERIOR ROOM– 72 Sq metres.
Spacious double storey houses built in graceful colonial style with , each house comprising four rooms . Every room has teak floor and private beach view terrace or lover’s balcony. The bedroom leads to a bright, spacious bathroom partly open to the sky.

ACCOMMODATION
With 180 bungalows and villas dotted throughout the island within verdant foliage only a pace or two from the beach, Kurumba Maldives offers a wide range of luxurious accommodation. The villas and rooms have wooden floors and are elegantly furnished with solid timbre furniture.

ROYAL KURUMBA RESIDENCE- 768 sq. metres
Luxurious two bedroom suite with two swimming pools and a spacious sundeck over the beach ideal for an intimate reception. Entrance is through a courtyard with steps over an ornamental pool with a thatched pavilion and daybeds on either side. A patio gives access to a foyer and drawing room, complete with butler’s pantry and guest washroom.

Doors on either side of the foyer open into the two wings of the Royal Residence; each wing has a walk-in dressing room, opulent bedroom with king-size four-poster bed, veranda onto the beach, and a large, luxurious bathroom leading to a private courtyard with swimming pool and a Jacuzzi, outside shower, and shaded king-size daybed.

4 PRESIDENTIAL VILLAS– from 255 sq metres
The ground floor of each Presidential Villa has a large drawing room off the beachfront veranda and a private swimming pool in a interior courtyard. The large bedroom with king-size four-poster bed offers complete privacy. A balcony overlooks the beach and ocean. a walk-in dressing room and a bathroom with separate glass-walled shower and central marble-sided bathtub, plus an outside patio with Jacuzzi.

8 POOL VILLAS– from 200 sq metres
Each Pool Villa has the luxury of a private swimming pool and a jacuzzi in a garden of flowers and therapeutic stones. There is a graceful waterfall, a lush open-air shower and a daybed for two shaded by a thatched roof pavilion. The private courtyard has an exclusive entrance from the beach or through the villa's enormous bathroom.

16 PRIVATE VILLAS– From 103 Sq metres
The private villa features a separate sitting area with television and adjoining the bedroom with king-size four-poster bed . Large open air bathroom with outdoor shower jacuzzi.

74 DELUXE BUNGALOWS– 74 Sq metres.
A dedicated entrance lobby leads to a teak floor bedroom furnished with a king-size four-poster bed, a day bed, and a window wall opening onto the veranda and beach. There is a dressing room with access to a spacious bathroom complete with two washbasins, a glass-walled shower, a free-standing bathtub, and an open-air sand and stone floored shower garden.

39 DELUXE ROOMS- 50 sq. metres
Cosy, intimate rooms situated on the edge of the sea.

38 SUPERIOR ROOM– 72 Sq metres.
Spacious double storey houses built in graceful colonial style with , each house comprising four rooms . Every room has teak floor and private beach view terrace or lover’s balcony. The bedroom leads to a bright, spacious bathroom partly open to the sky.

SPA
The architecture of our spa draws on the inspiration of ancient Maldives .You are guided across a stone walkway embedded in water, to your single or double treatment rooms. The design is drawn from an ancestry of care and wisdom, of balance and serenity.

The Kurumba Spa offers spirited experiences with water to bring about lasting rejuvenation. The menu of the Spa merges east with west using the universal and life-giving properties of fresh seawater, nutritious sea plants and minerals as well as indigenous plants, herbs and flowers from Nature. The environment is natural and understated to make you feel at home. Each guest is offered a complimentary health consultation. Whilst one can book into the day long pre-packaged wellness programmes , we custom-design treatments to suit individuals lifestyle.
Labels: booking, honey moon, honeymoon, hotel, Kurumba Village Resort, maldiv, maldives, maldives hotel

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Maldives 2005

Maldives Underwater Video

Manta ray in Maldives

Labels: atoll, Atolls of the Maldives, maldiv, maldives, manta, underwater, video

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LOCATION

Paradise Island is a 5 star resort island with absolutely everything for the sun worshippers. The island is close to the nations' capital island of Male'. The island measures nearly 1 km in length and about 500 metres in width. Transfer: Speedboat transfer takes approximately 20 minutes to reach this sprawling resort. Due to the close proximity to the Airport, night time transfers are also conveniently arranged.

ACCOMMODATION

There are 40 Water Bungalows and 260 Beach Bungalows, in all - the third largest resort in the country. There is little difference between the bungalows, except for the views of, and steps down into, the lagoon. Each room has everything you could ask for and probably more: from a bidet and hairdryer to a large ten channel satellite TV. and fully stocked minibar. What the room doesn't have is any character or personal touch, but the bed is comfortable and everything else is clean, tidy and bright.All the rooms are well situated, with excellent infrastructure. On the whole the beaches are remarkably good for being reclaimed, and the head gardener has done a marvelous job. Thus today the island is fully developed, and the greenly environment will give you an excellent holiday. The lagoon is huge, shallow, leaving a lot of space for a good swim. Snorkeling trips are organized, for the close by reefs and the island reefs.

DINING

Main Restaurant serves buffets and Ristorante al Tramonto for genuine Italian dishes. Fukuya Teppanyaki featuring traditional Japanese dishes, Dhavani Restaurant for a light lunch or an afternoon snack and Sunrise Restaurant provides special candlelit dinners for honeymooners and specializes in Seafood. Other specialties include Oriental, Maldives and European dishes.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

Land Sports: Gymnasium, basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis and table tennis, stream, bath sauna, and board games including billiard and dart. Water Sports: Catamaran, parasailing, banana boat riding, canoeing, ring o' riding, knee board, windsurfing, snorkelling, water scooter, water skiing, water bikes, paddleboats and snorkelling, safaris. Excursions: Island hopping / half day & full day, morning / night fishing and big game fishing.

HOTEL SERVICES AND AMENITIES

Main Bar Steam Bath, Beauty Saloon Japanese Shiatsu Massage, Sauna Laundry service, Business Center Jacuzzi, Conference facilities Pizza Express, E-mail & Internet facilities at back office Porters, First Aid Club Green (Putting Green, Flood-lit), Electronic Game Center Safe Deposit at reception, Guest relation Officer Swimming pool, In-house Doctor Children pool, Chilled Pond Video Screens, Souvenir Shop Jewelry shop and Electronic Shop Photo Shop.
Labels: atoll, honey moon, honeymoon, hotel, indian ocean, maldiv, maldives, maldives hotel, Paradise Island Resort

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The earthquake was initially reported as moment magnitude, Mw 9.0 (note that this is not the so-called Richter scale or local magnitude scale, Ml, which is known to saturate at higher magnitudes.) In February 2005 scientists revised the estimate of the magnitude to Mw9.3.[6] Although the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has accepted these new numbers, the United States Geological Survey has so far not changed its estimate of 9.1. The most recent studies in 2006 have obtained a magnitude of Mw 9.1 to 9.3. Dr. Hiroo Kanamori of the California Institute of Technology believes that Mw = 9.2 is a good representative value for the size of this great earthquake. Reference: EERI Publication 2006-06, page 14 [www.eeri.org]

The hypocentre of the main earthquake was at 3.316°N, 95.854°E (3°19′N 95°51.24′E), approximately 160 km (100 mi) west of Sumatra, at a depth of 30 km (19 mi) below mean sea level (initially reported as 10 km). The earthquake itself (apart from the tsunami) was felt as far away as Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and the Maldives.

Indonesia lies between the Pacific Ring of Fire along the north-eastern islands adjacent to and including New Guinea and the Alpide belt along the south and west from Sumatra, Java, Bali, Flores, and Timor. The December 2004 earthquake actually occurred within the Alpide belt.[citation needed]

Great earthquakes such as the Sumatra-Andaman event, which are invariably associated with megathrust events in subduction zones, have seismic moments that can account for a significant fraction of the global earthquake moment across century-scale time periods. The Sumatra-Andaman earthquake was the largest earthquake since 1964, and the second largest since the Kamchatka earthquake of October 16, 1737.

Of all the seismic moment released by earthquakes in the 100 years from 1906 through 2005, roughly one-eighth was due to the Sumatra-Andaman event. This quake, together with the Good Friday Earthquake (Alaska, 1964) and the Great Chilean Earthquake (1960), account for almost half of the total moment. The much smaller but still catastrophic 1906 San Francisco earthquake is included in the diagram at right for perspective. Mw denotes the magnitude of an earthquake on the moment magnitude scale.

Since 1900 the only earthquakes recorded with a greater magnitude were the 1960 Great Chilean Earthquake (magnitude 9.5) and the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake in Prince William Sound (9.2). The only other recorded earthquake of magnitude 9.0 or greater was off Kamchatka, Russia, on November 4, 1952 (magnitude 9.0).[7] Each of these megathrust earthquakes also spawned tsunamis in the Pacific Ocean, but the death toll from these was significantly lower. The worst of these caused only a few thousand deaths, primarily because of the lower population density along the coasts near affected areas and the much greater distances to more populated coasts.

Other very large megathrust earthquakes occurred in 1868 (Peru, Nazca Plate and South American Plate); 1827 (Colombia, Nazca Plate and South American Plate); 1812 (Venezuela, Caribbean Plate and South American Plate) and 1700 (Cascadia Earthquake, western U.S. and Canada, Juan de Fuca Plate and North American Plate). These are all believed to have been of greater than magnitude 9, but no accurate measurements were available at the time.
Labels: atoll, Atolls of the Maldives, characteristics, earthquake, maldiv, maldives

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The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, known by the scientific community as the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake,[1] was a great undersea earthquake that occurred at 00:58:53 UTC (07:58:53 local time) December 26, 2004 with an epicentre off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake triggered a series of devastating tsunamis along the coasts of most landmasses bordering the Indian Ocean, killing large numbers of people and inundating coastal communities across South and Southeast Asia, including parts of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. Although initial estimates had put the worldwide death toll at over 275,000 with thousands of others missing, more recent analysis compiled by the United Nations lists a total of 229,866 people lost, including 186,983 dead and 42,883 missing.[2] The figure excludes 400 to 600 people who are believed to have perished in Myanmar which is more than that government's official figure of only 61 dead.[3] The catastrophe is one of the deadliest disasters in modern history. The disaster is known in Asia and in the international media as the Asian Tsunami, and also called the Boxing Day Tsunami in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom as it took place on Boxing Day. Coincidentally, the tsunami occurred exactly one year after the 2003 earthquake that devastated the southern Iranian city of Bam and exactly two years before the 2006 Hengchun earthquake.

The magnitude of the earthquake was originally recorded as 9.0 on the Richter scale, but has been upgraded to between 9.1 and 9.3. At this magnitude, it is the second largest earthquake ever recorded on a seismograph. This earthquake was also reported to be the longest duration of faulting ever observed, lasting between 500(8.3 minutes) and 600(10 minutes)seconds, and it was large enough that it caused the entire planet to vibrate as much as half an inch, or over a centimetre.[4] It also triggered earthquakes in other locations as far away as Alaska.[5]

The earthquake originated in the Indian Ocean just north of Simeulue island, off the western coast of northern Sumatra. The resulting tsunami devastated the shores of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and other countries with waves up to 30 m (100 ft). It caused serious damage and deaths as far as the east coast of Africa, with the farthest recorded death due to the tsunami occurring at Rooi Els in South Africa, 8,000 km (5,000 mi) away from the epicentre. In total, eight people in South Africa died due to abnormally high sea levels and waves.

Labels: 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, atoll, Atolls of the Maldives, earthquake, maldiv, maldives

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Atoll Summary
Administrative name Thaa Atoll
Atoll name Kolhumadulu Atoll
Location 2° 34' N and 2° 10' N
Letter N
Abbreviation Th (ތ)
Capital Veymandoo
Population 13846
No. of Islands 66
Inhabited Islands 13
Atoll Chief -
Inhabited Islands
Burunee Dhiyamingili Gaadhiffushi Guraidhoo Hirilandhoo Kandoodhoo Kinbidhoo Madifushi Omadhoo Thimarafushi Vandhoo Veymandoo Vilufushi
Labels: atoll, Atolls of the Maldives, holiday, honey moon, image, maldiv, maldives, Thaa Atoll, Tourism in the Maldives, vocation

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Atoll Summary
Administrative name Dhaalu Atoll
Atoll name Nilandhé Atoll
Location 3° 20' N and 3° 03' N
Letter M
Abbreviation Dh (ދ)
Capital Kudahuvadhoo
Population 6694
No. of Islands 56
Inhabited Islands 8
Atoll Chief Mohamed Shafeeu [1]
Inhabited Islands
Bandidhoo Gemendhoo Hulhudheli Kudahuvadhoo Maaenboodhoo Meedhoo Rinbudhoo Vaanee
Uninhabited Islands
Aluvifushi Bodufushi Bulhalafushi Dhebaidhoo Dhoores Enboodhoofushi Faandhoo Gaadhiffushi Hiriyanfushi Hudhufusheefinolhu Hulhuvehi Issari Kandinma Kanneiyfaru Kedhigandu Kiraidhoo Lhohi Maadheli Maafushi Maagau Maléfaru Meedhuffushi Minimasgali Naibukaloabodufushi Olhuveli Thilabolhufushi Thinhuraa Uddhoo Valla Vallalhohi Velavaroo Vonmuli

Dhaalu Atoll is one of 26 atolls that are located in the Maldives. Its 56 islands stretch 23km from east to west, and 38km north to south. Eight of the islands are inhabited, with a total population of around 6694. Opened to tourism in 1998, the atoll has become a popular location for SCUBA diving. The capital island is Kudahuvadhoo, located at the atoll's southern tip.

Labels: atoll, Atolls of the Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll, holiday, honeymoon, image, maldiv, maldives, Tourism in the Maldives, vocation

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Faafu Atoll (F.) is located between latitude 3° 20' N and 3° 03' N. Situated to the south of Alif Dhaalu Atoll, Faafu Atoll has 5 inhabited islands , 1 resort and a few uninhabited islands. Eventhough the atoll is relatively small, most of the inhabited islands are large with relatively small populations. Nilandhoo, the capital has a population of about 1500 while Dharaboodhoo has less than 500 person

Labels: atoll, Atolls of the Maldives, Faafu Atoll, maldiv, maldives, maldives island

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Atoll Summary
Administrative name
Meemu Atoll
Atoll name
Mulaku Atoll
Location
3° 11' N and 2° 45' N
Letter
K
Abbreviation
M (މ)
Capital
Muli
Population
6459
No. of Islands
33
Inhabited Islands
9
Atoll Chief
Ahmed Saavi
Inhabited Islands
Dhiggaru Kolhufushi Madifushi Maduvvaree Mulah Muli Naalaafushi Raimmandhoo Veyvah

Meemu Atoll (M.) is located between latitude 3° 11' N and 2° 45' N. Situated to the south of Vaavu Atoll, Meemu Atoll has 9 inhabited islands with populations ranging from 1500 in Mulah to 850 in Muli, the atoll capital. There are two tourist resorts and a number of small uninhabited islands. Meemu Atoll is famous for fishing notaby Dhiggaru and Maduvvari has a combined population of about 1800.

Labels: atoll, Atolls of the Maldives, honey moon, maldiv, maldives, Meemu Atoll

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Island summary
Belongs to Kaafu Atoll
Location 4°10′N 73°30′E
Population 81,647 (2004)
Length 1.7 km / 1.05 miles
Width 1.0 km / 0.62 miles

Malé (Dhivehi: މާލެ), (pronounced: "Maa-lay") population 81,647 (2004), is the capital of the Republic of Maldives. The city is located on Malé Island in the Kaafu Atoll. Although Malé is geographically located in Kaafu Atoll, administratively it is not considered part of it. A commercial harbour is located in the Island. It is the heart of all commercial activities in the country. Many government buildings and agencies are located on the waterfront. Malé International Airport is on adjacent Hulhule Island which includes a seaplane base for internal transportation. Several land reclamation projects have expanded the harbour. Malé is located at 4°10' North, 73°30' East (4.1667, 73.5).

The town of Malé was founded by Portuguese traders in the 16th century.

The island is heavily urbanised, the city taking up essentially its entire landmass. It is the world's most densely populated city (see list of selected cities by population density). Slightly less than one third of the nation's population lives in the capital city. Many, if not most, Maldivians and foreign workers in Maldives find themselves in occasional short term residence on the island due to it being the only entry point to the nation and the centre of all administration and bureaucracy.

The town is divided into four divisions; Henveiru, Galolhu, Maafannu and Machangolhi. Male'viligili (a near by island) is the fifth division considered by the government.

Malé was struck by the tsunami that swept across the western coast of Sumatra on December 26, 2004. It was affected by the Indian Ocean earthquake which followed with the waves flooding two-thirds of the city. The earthquake and subsequent tsunamis reportedly killed over 220,000 people around the rim of the Indian Ocean.

The name
The name Malé is taken from the word "Mahaalay" which has come from the Sanskrit language. The name is derived from maha, meaning "big" or "great" and aalay meaning house. Generally the word Mahaalay is used for the palace of a king or capital (king's island) in Sanskrit, e.g. Mahaalay of King Asok
Labels: atoll, Atolls of the Maldives, holiday, honeymoon, island nation, maldiv, maldives, maldives hotel, male

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LOCATION

The Maldives is the best-kept secret of the Indian Ocean, 'paradise lost' waiting to be rediscovered. The 26 atolls and 1,190 beautiful sun-kissed islands south of Sri Lanka are nothing short of a natural wonder with their untouched Eco-systems and unparalleled bio-diversity. With over 900 species of fish, the Maldives boasts some of the most breathtaking dive sites in the world.Occupying the entire island of Vabbinfaru, the jewel of the North Malé Atoll, Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru lies in secluded luxury, yet merely 20 minutes by speedboat from the airport and Malé, the capital of the Maldives. Surrounded by dazzling white talc sand and the bluest of waters teeming with an astonishing abundance of soft corals and fish sparkling in brilliant colors, the exquisite beauty of this tropical haven is all yours. The beaches and surrounding waters remain accessible only to our guests.

ACCOMMODATION

Vabbinfaru Villa
Stay at the lavish Vabbinfaru Villa for an extravagant beach hideaway with a personal touch, including a chilled bottle of champagne upon arrival. Enjoy the luxury of a large landscaped garden with ocean views, al fresco living pavilion, beach ‘sala’ pavilion, sundeck, Jacuzzi and outdoor shower. Families can opt for two or three inter-connecting Deluxe Beachfront Villas. Ample space makes the Vabbinfaru Villa ideal for small wedding parties; yet, priceless privacy can be found within each villa. Sit back and let the shooting stars fall into your lap.

Deluxe Beachfront Villa
The natural beauty of Vabbinfaru Island can now be experienced in the plush comfort of the new Deluxe Beachfront Villa. The stylish interior has been designed to be bright and breezy – it opens on to a large sundeck at the front that leads to the powder-soft beach and into a glitzy bathroom at the back with an outdoor Jacuzzi and garden shower. Here you can take part in the play of nature and count the hues of the changing sky, as the stunning sunrise, sunset and star-filled night sky leave their shimmering reflections on the lagoon.

Deluxe Oceanview Villa
The new Deluxe Oceanview Villa invites you to relish the heavenly tranquility of an enchanting garden from your own pavilion. While featuring the same facilities and comfort as a Deluxe Beachfront Villa, the secluded garden setting of the new Deluxe Oceanview Villa is much treasured for its generous space, privacy and shady greenery. The beach peeps through the leaves and entices you to soak up a golden tan, laze around and see your footsteps disappear in the sand as the winds blow from the sea. A heavenly place to pamper yourself with an in-villa BBQ or soothing massage.

Beachfront Villa
With its private outdoor Jacuzzi and sundeck by the beach, the Beachfront Villa is ideally suited for a romantic getaway. Watch the spectacular ocean vista unfold from the terrace, while the balmy sea breeze cools the room. Or step onto the silky sand of the beach and swim above the virtually untouched house reef with its glorious display of color and the occasional trumpet fish, harmless baby shark and turtle.

Oceanview Villa
The Oceanview Villa delivers unparalleled privacy with its very own open-air Jacuzzi on a wooden patio and a sala (pavilion) in the walled garden. Relax under the shade of the pavilion while sipping your cocktail. Immerse yourself in the bubbling waters of the Jacuzzi and feel the tension seep away from your body as you drift off to the sound of waves lapping on the picture-perfect shores.

DINING AND BARS

Day or night, wining and dining in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Maldives is simply unforgettable. A romantic experience you will cherish forever. Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru offers excellent dining choices ranging from eclectic Maldivian and International cuisine at Ilaafathi restaurant to candlelit dinners under the stars. You can be sure that the cuisine is delectable, the setting exquisite and the atmosphere awe-inspiring. Bon Appetit or Ufaaveri Keumeh, as they say in Dhivehi.

Ilaafathi Restaurant
Tuck into scrumptious Maldivian and International treats in the casual setting of Ilaafathi restaurant. Set right on the beach with a natural Alang-Alang roof, this beachfront eatery serves extravagant buffet breakfasts and superb set dinners that will make you come back for more.

Naiboli Bar
Appetizing snacks are served all day long at our open-air Naiboli Bar, along with your favorite cocktails. You can while away many happy hours here chatting with friends, having a game of snooker, or simply unwinding in the warm and friendly atmosphere. Perfect for a light appetite in the middle of the day.

Private Dining
Fancy having a wildly romantic candlelit barbecue dinner in the intimacy of your villa or by the beach? We'll arrange that for you and even provide you with your very own private chef and waiter. Spoilt by our attentive service and fine cuisine, you will feel pampered like royalty.

Sandbank Dining
Have you ever dreamt of sweeping your loved one off the feet with a romantic dinner that is out of this world? Let your imagination run wild and we'll make your dreams come true by taking you to a stunning sandbank by speedboat. The breathtaking view of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean will whet your appetite, revealing the magical night sky of a billion stars and the hypnotic melody of the ocean. Once ushered to a table of gourmet victuals and champagne, with only the moon and torches lighting your feast, the universe is reduced to just the two of you. What a wonderful way to start the evening. Simply perfect.

RECREATION

If you venture beyond the pampered realm of your villa and the wonderfully slow Maldivian pace of life, you'll find a wealth of recreational diversions. For a start, you can dive or snorkel in the transparent brilliance of the ocean, explore its riches, and go deep-sea or night fishing. After all, this is a paradise renowned for superlative fishing, sailing, diving and snorkeling. If you prefer, sit in the shallow waters and watch the myriad of exotic schools of fish dart in and out of the light, or go kite flying with the clear blue sky as the backdrop.

Then, there are ball and racket games you can play with your partner. For more vigorous workouts, head for the resort's health club. And for the less actively inclined, a ramble around Malé exploring its sights and shopping, or a promenade along the beach are just as rousing. If the sun gets to you, simply retire to the resort's TV room for board games or some quiet reading.

- Water sports facilities: snorkeling, PADI dive center, deep-sea fishing, night fishing, water-skiing, windsurfing,
catamaran sailing, canoeing and fun tubes
- Ball and racket games: beach volleyball, table tennis, snooker and badminton
- TV room with reading area and board games
- Underwater camera rental
- Health club
- Excursions: Malé sightseeing, island hopping, snorkeling safari, private yacht charter and sea plane trips.
Labels: Atolls of the Maldives, Banyan Tree, holiday, honey moon, honeymoon, hotel, island nation, maldiv, villa

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